The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo

Rating:
Summary: It's a pitty that there are only 5 stars. This deserves 8
Review: I recieved thid book as a gift. I didn't know much about Micheangello,and it was a wonderfull biography. But it's not the the boring biography tha is ususllay read. It's told like a novell, explaining all the scenery without repeting. Michaelangello had a very productive life, as is said in the book, and he really deserves such a good book talking to him. I've read other Stone's book but this is the best. While I was reading it there were two reactions: one was to keep on reading it till I finish, and the other was to close inmedeatly after two pages and start to draw or make sculptures, beacause if theres something this book can comunicate is the passion that Michaelangello had for this work.

Rating:
Summary: Definitely not a dull encyclopedia entry!
Review: The two previous reviewers (or one reviewer with two e-mail addresses) obviously read this as required reading--a good argument against required reading. For anyone who is interested in philosophy, aesthetics, history, and the socio-political turmoil of what may be the most fertile period of the western cultural tradition, this book is pure pleasure. Stone successfully dramatizes the struggles of Michelangelo and illuminates the tempestuous times in which he lived. The fact that the book is still enthralling (most of) its readers nearly thirty years after its original publication attests to the author's success.

Rating:
Summary: Interseting!
Review: This book was well written and it made you feel Michelangelo's pain, but it also made you feel his passion for art.. Not only was he a wonderful artist, but he was a genius too! I liked the book, but a few parts were dull, and there wasn't much to read about... slow moving pace, but very interesting

Rating:
Summary: Dreadful!
Review: Well, what can I say. The only good part of this book was when I was finished. The ending was horrible, there was no real plot. It is packed full of Italian names that you'll never remember. If you want to know about Michelangelo, go to your encyclopedia and read the 1 page summary of his life, not the 750 page drawn-out version. To those of you who have to read it: Good luck!

Rating:
Summary: ZZzzzzz...... ZZzzzzz....... ZZzzzzz.......
Review: Please, please, please don't buy this book unless it is required reading. This book takes soooo long to read becuase it is incredibly boring. Also, there are about 1000 people in the book, all having 5 names, which makes this horrid nightmare even worse.

Rating:
Summary: Complicating Book, but it was cool
Review: Such a good book, but it was too complicating to me due to the fact that I am in 4th grade.

Rating:
Summary: This book helps the reader share Michelangelo's passion.
Review: The Agony and the Ecstasy is one of my favorite books. It brings Michelangelo's passion back to life. Stone also does a wonderful job of portraying Michelangelo's friends and fellow scholars with accurate and engaging philsophical conversations. This is a book for anyone who likes Michelangelo, will be visiting Italy or Rome, or is interested in the Renissance movement.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best novels I have read
Review: As a lover of history and art, I had to read this novel as soon as I saw it. I'm happy to say that it was the most interesting book I have read in years. Irving Stone's writing style held my attention throughout the book, and has given me a new understanding of Michealangelo. Until now, I had been at a loss for another great historical fiction author since Mary Renault, but now I have Irving Stone's "Lust for Life" to look foward to.

Rating:
Summary: Magnifico!
Review: In anticipation of my trip to Florence, it was suggested that I read this book, and I'm so glad I did it! It's an incredible, emotional book, and it's simply amazing to feel the passion behind the artist. I can't wait to see all those fabulous sculptures Michaelangelo carved, and Stone was eloquent enough to write about, and capture his passion in the process! It's a magnificent book.

Rating:
Summary: best book i've ever read!!!! it's romantic and beautiful.
Review: i love this book so much because it is incredibly interesting to read of this artist's life and his romances,achievements and glories! to make this book even better is to read it in italy, rome in particular; this makes the book come alive and gives you this love for the arts and him. i recommend it highly!!!!